Manchester United are set to beat arch rivals Liverpool in the £15million race to sign Ashley Young.

Sunday Mirror Sport ­revealed in February how Sir Alex Ferguson failed in a bid to land the England winger during the last transfer ­window due to Aston Villa’s reluctance to sell.

With Kenny Dalglish looking for a top-class wideman, Young had the chance of a potential move to Anfield.

But the 25-year-old England international has his heart set on moving to Old Trafford.

Ferguson already has Nani and Antonio Valencia to call on, but doubts remain over ­Nani’s United future with the club reluctant to offer him a new contract and Young’s ­arrival could signal his ­eventual departure.